Rashmika Mandanna has built her career on unpredictability, and it’s exactly what makes her unstoppable

Rashmika Mandanna has built the kind of career most actors only dream of. In less than ten years, she’s worked across Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, making her one of the few true pan-India stars of her generation. And her roles couldn’t be more different. From the firecracker Shrivalli in Pushpa to the tender Lily in Dear Comrade, and the graceful Afreen in Sita Ramam. She’s equally at home in big-ticket blockbusters and quiet, performance-driven films, which is exactly what makes watching her so exciting.

But she refuses to be boxed in. She thrives on unpredictability, and it shows in the way she picks scripts—sometimes commercial, sometimes offbeat, but always unexpected. Add to that her easy, comfort-first approach to style—now matched perfectly with her Swarovski partnership—and you see an actor who is as relatable as she is aspirational. At a time when most stars lean into formula, Mandanna keeps audiences guessing, and that’s her real superpower. 

In conversation with Harper’s Bazaar India, Mandanna opens up about building her craft on set, the freedom to move between industries without boundaries, and why she prefers to keep a sense of mystery around her choices, whether it’s picking scripts, exploring new genres, or even her approach to fashion.

Harper's Bazaar: You have worked across multiple film industries—Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Tamil. How has that shaped you as an actor, both emotionally and technically? How do you view adaptability around language, culture, or mindset?

Rashmika Mandanna: When you work with so many different people, it really opens up your world. You become more aware, more open to receiving new ideas, constructive criticism, and varied perceptions. That’s the beauty of meeting people from such varied cultural backgrounds.

As for how it has shaped me as an actor, I’ve pretty much picked up my craft at work—on set. I didn’t go to acting school, so my craft has come entirely from the experiences I’ve had while shooting. Today, the confidence I have is because I’ve had the privilege of working across industries. I’ve never liked boundaries—I think it’s beautiful that artists can work freely in any language or part of the world. So, for me, that's just fun, that's just being out there. And the way I see it, we have the freedom to tell stories anywhere, which is what makes this journey so much fun.

HB: Your roles often balance charm with emotional depth—like Shrivalli in Pushpa, Geeta in Geeta Govindam, or Lily in Dear Comrade. How do you choose scripts, and what draws you to a character?

RM: As an actor, I’ve always believed in keeping a sense of mystery. I want to try different things every time. Be it a grey character or a positive, happy-go-lucky character, or someone with more depth. I enjoy exploring, and I think that’s what makes work exciting for me. If you ask someone what Rashmika’s “personality” is, I don’t think they’d have one answer (smiles). I’ve played the character of a queen and then that of a schoolgirl. I’ve always said, if the script excites me, I’ll do it. That’s what keeps me motivated.

HB: You’ve done high-octane commercial films like Pushpa, Chhaava, and Animal, but also performance-heavy roles in films like Dear Comrade and Sita Ramam. Is there a genre or role that’s offbeat or unglamorous that you’re still waiting to explore?

RM: I’ve already done a few roles that aren’t all about glamour, but I’m also exploring offbeat films in the near future. Like now, with Thamma I’m sure audiences will leave the theatre feeling…”Oh my God, she can do this too?” That reaction from audiences makes me feel motivated!
 
HB: You’ve worked with a diverse set of directors and co-actors like Alwar Shunto, Amitabh Bachchan, Dulquer Salmaan, and Vijay Deverakonda. Was there a collaboration that really pushed you creatively or changed your perspective on acting?

RM: I'm on a film set pretty much every day of my life. So every single person I’ve worked with has contributed to my perspective in some way. I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have worked with such talented, professional, and passionate people—directors, co-stars, cinematographers, producers, everyone. Each one has shaped me and the woman I am today, so I’m very grateful for that.

HB: As your stardom grows and projects get bigger, how do you balance mass appeal with meaningful storytelling? Is it a conscious choice or does it come naturally?

RM: I think that comes naturally. I understand there are a lot of big-budget commercial films, but I also love stories, and I love to be part of stories that truly need to be told. I’ve always tried to maintain that balance. It’s always the right time, right script. The rest clicks along the way. 

HB: You’ve built a rare pan-India presence—something very few actors manage to do. What have been the most rewarding and challenging parts of working across so many languages and cultural contexts?

RM: Thank you for saying that. I think languages and cultures are barriers we’ve created, but as an actor, my job is to entertain. If someone has had a hard day at work and they come to the cinema, I want to tell them a story that makes them feel peace, which can help take their minds off their lives for those two hours. The most rewarding part is seeing all the love I receive across industries—it makes everything worth it. The challenging part? Definitely the flights, sleepless nights, and small sacrifices. But with the support of my fans and well-wishers, it feels like we’re bonded for life.

HB: Does being multilingual and rooted in the South give you a unique perspective when approaching Hindi cinema? Do you feel like you’re translating emotions across cultures, or do you find that stories speak one universal language?

RM: Where I come from and my roots definitely influence my choices. There are certain things I would never do, but it usually depends on one’s mindset—what I want to do, what I don’t want to do, would my family or friends be okay with it, etc. At the same time, I think stories speak a universal language. But that said, a deeply rooted film in Chittoor might feel like an emotion for people from there, but for someone outside, it might feel like just another story or information. Similarly, a Marathi-rooted film might be emotional for that belt and educational for someone else. So, while emotions are universal, the depth of connection depends on where you’re from.

HB: You're known for your effortless style on and off the red carpet. How involved are you in curating your jewellery and fashion choices, and has being the face of a brand like Swarovski influenced the way you express yourself through fashion?

RM: My style is always comfort-first. When I became part of the Swarovski family, it felt like such a natural fit—the pieces are effortless, elegant, and easy to pair with anything. Whether you want something fun or something classy, Swarovski has it. It felt like such an organic partnership, and I know it’s going to be a long, beautiful journey. 

Inputs by Schenelle Dsouza

Editor: Rasna Bhasin (@rasnabhasin)

Digital Editor and Interview: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)

Photographer: Tarun Kalyani (@tarun_kalyani)

Stylist: Gopalika Virmani (@gopalikavirmani)

Cover Design: Mandeep Singh Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)

Make-up Artist: Riviera Lynn (@rivieralynn), At Tap Agency (@theartistsproject)

Hair Artist: Sourav Roy (@souravv_roy)

Production: Sanju Sharma (@sanju_glaze_production)

Style Assistant: Riza Rizvi (@withloveriza)

Photographer Assistant: Rako Vinaizho (@rakovinaizho)

Artist Reputation Management: Spice PR (@spicesocial)

Rashmika is wearing a sculpted bustier and shorts by Bloni Atelier; shoes by Gucci; jewellery: Millenia necklace, Gema necklace, and ring by Swarovski.